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Stories from July 22, 2021

State of Minnesota, two major unions reach tentative contracts

State of Minnesota, two major unions reach tentative contracts

Marathon talks produced the agreements, which would raise base pay by 2.5 percent each year for thousands of workers and add a new paid holiday for Juneteenth. The deals are subject to ratification by union members and state lawmakers.
by Brian Bakst

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First responders on scene of house explosion in Princeton

Images show what appears to be a house that is reduced to rubble, standing next to a two-stall garage that seems to be undamaged. Neighbors said the explosion happened around 12:15 p.m. Thursday.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota's drought is growing dire, with more two thirds of the state severely short of rain

Minnesota's drought is growing dire, with more two thirds of the state severely short of rain, and wells already starting to dry up in the northwest. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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How loneliness affects our health — and what we can do

How loneliness affects our health — and what we can do

One in three Americans reported “serious loneliness” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation was the main factor, but other things played a part, including aging and the loss or partial loss of our sensory perceptions. Guest host Chris Farrell explored the causes of loneliness, particularly in older people, and what we can do about it.
by Chris Farrell and Samantha Matsumoto

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Sen. Tomassoni on figuring out how to move forward with ALS

Sen. Tomassoni on figuring out how to move forward with ALS

Longtime state Sen. David Tomassoni of Chisholm, Minn., announced Saturday that he has Lou Gehrig's disease, also called ALS. He spoke with Cathy Wurzer about how he’s navigating life with an incurable disease.
by Cathy Wurzer and Kyle Shiely

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Farmers say widening drought now threatening livestock

Farmers say widening drought now threatening livestock

The drought in Minnesota is getting worse. Gov. Tim Walz told farmers Thursday he’s working with state and federal agencies to help meet their most pressing needs.
by Dan Gunderson

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Public health experts call on CDC to change its mask guidance

Public health experts call on CDC to change its mask guidance

The agency argues that vaccinated people are safe without masks. But the guidance leaves room for plenty of unvaccinated people to mingle dangerously, and many argue that this is fueling case surges.
by Pien Huang

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CIA director says he is escalating efforts to solve 'Havana Syndrome' mystery

CIA director says he is escalating efforts to solve 'Havana Syndrome' mystery

In an NPR interview, William Burns says he has appointed a senior officer who led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head the investigation into ailments that afflicted U.S. officials around the world.
by Becky Sullivan, Mary Louise Kelly and Greg Myre

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Drought in Minnesota: How to conserve water at home

Drought in Minnesota: How to conserve water at home

Cities across the state enacted watering restrictions that limit lawn and garden water use. Here are some additional ways you can save water on your own.
by Sarah Gelbard

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Weekend forecast: Hot; rain-free during the daylight hours

Weekend forecast: Hot; rain-free during the daylight hours

It’ll be a hot weekend, but dew points will be reasonable in most areas. We have details on that, plus who may see some showers and thunderstorms Friday night.
by Ron Trenda

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In six words, tell us your thoughts on race

In six words, tell us your thoughts on race

Is an honest conversation about race even possible? Journalist Michele Norris says yes — and with her Race Card Project, she has the proof.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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72% of Minnesota is now in severe drought

72% of Minnesota is now in severe drought

The hot, mostly dry conditions forecast through the end of July provide no relief to the dire situation. Water levels are low in many lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota, including at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis.
by Nicole Mitchell

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15-year-old boy shot in Anoka County has died

A sheriff's spokesperson said a 17-year-old boy was arrested and remained in custody. He has not been identified. The investigation is still active and details of the shooting and motive cannot yet be shared, the spokesperson said.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota's share of opioid settlement could top $300M

The attorney general said Minnesota's share could be as much as $337 million over 18 years, with significant payments frontloaded in the first five years. The spending will be overseen by Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council.

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State lawmaker sentenced for obstructing police at a hospital

A Hennepin County jury on Wednesday found Rep. John Thompson (DFL-St. Paul) guilty of a misdemeanor charge of obstructing the legal process. A judge sentenced him to 6 months of probation and ordered him to pay a $200 fine. The charge stemmed from a 2019 incident at a Robbinsdale hospital when Thompson blocked a door, shouted at police and resisted arrest. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, July 22, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Temperatures start climbing again Thursday

The smoke in the air has diminished across Minnesota, but under more sunshine much of the state can expect temperatures back in the 90s.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Art Hounds celebrate summer performances, and an indoor escape from the heat

Art Hounds celebrate summer performances, and an indoor escape from the heat

Walking Shadow Theatre Co. puts on “Reboot,” a virtual interactive play with puzzles. The Zephyr Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” uses the St Croix River as a backdrop. Plus, a performance by Minneapolis singer Brooke Elizabeth.
by Emily Bright

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Low water makes it harder to play on Minnesota lakes

Low water makes it harder to play on Minnesota lakes

Going to the lake is a time-honored summer tradition in Minnesota. But this summer, low water on some Minnesota lakes makes launching watercraft more of a challenge than usual.
by Dan Gunderson

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MSU Mankato takes video gaming to the next level

MSU Mankato takes video gaming to the next level

When COVID-19 took traditional contact sports off the table, it led to a huge boost in another form of competition: video gaming. A program at Minnesota State University, Mankato helps students learn about the ever-evolving world of esports — and some are taking the leap into cyber sports.
by Hannah Yang

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Fascinating, mysterious 'Intimacies' doesn't let readers get close enough

Fascinating, mysterious 'Intimacies' doesn't let readers get close enough

Katie Kitamura's new novel follows an unnamed woman working as a translator at The Hague who works with war criminals — but can readers really know a narrator who remains resolutely unknown?
by Leland Cheuk

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The Western wildfires are affecting people 3,000 miles away

The Western wildfires are affecting people 3,000 miles away

Eastern states have been clouded in a smoky haze for days, and with the smoke comes poor air quality. People far away from the fires aren't ready for the breathing problems the smoke brings.
by Josie Fischels

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